Etomidate inhibits the growth of MRSA and exhibits synergism with oxacillin.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the anesthetic etomidate against strains of MRSA and biofilms. Materials & methods: The antibacterial effect of etomidate was assessed by the broth microdilution method. To investigate the probable action mechanism of the compound flow cytometry techniques were used. Results: MRSA strains showed MIC equal to 500 and 1000 μg/ml of etomidate. Four-fifths (80%) of the tested MRSA strains demonstrated synergistic effect with oxacillin. Etomidate also showed activity against MRSA biofilm at concentration of 250 μg/ml. Cytometric analysis revealed that the cells treated with etomidate leading to cell death, probably by apoptosis. Conclusion: Etomidate showed antibacterial activity against MRSA.